The new extension to the Kunsthaus Zürich art museum in Zürich, Switzerland has completed and opened to the public on Oct. 9. The extension displays a collection of classic modernism, the Bührle collection, temporary exhibitions, and art from 1960 onwards.
Designed by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin, the new freestanding museum building extends the existing Kunsthaus Zürich, turning the institution into the largest art museum in Switzerland. The building is located on the northern side of Heimplatz square, opposite the existing building. The clear geometric volume redefines the square structurally on its fourth side. The urban square is situated on the south of the extension with the new Garden of Art to the north. A large entrance hall creates a link between these two new urban spaces. A visitor passageway runs underneath the square and connects the new building with the existing Kunsthaus.
All public functions such as the cafe/bar, events hall, museum shop, and museum education services are arranged around the central entrance hall at the ground floor level. The two upper floors are reserved exclusively for the display of art. The diversely dimensioned exhibition spaces are defined by a calm materiality and an abundance of daylight.
The project temporarily opened in spring 2021 to allow visitors to experience the new museum before its official opening.
Related Stories
Museums | Nov 18, 2016
Plans for the expansion and renovation of the Asian Art Museum in Seattle unveiled
LMN Architects is the architect and interior designer for the Bebb and Gould-designed museum.
Museums | Nov 17, 2016
The Guggenheim Helsinki has one final chance to become a reality
The museum’s fate will be decided with a final vote on a new proposal.
Museums | Nov 8, 2016
Museum of the Bible to use technology to bring the Bible to life
The museum will be two blocks from the National Mall and three blocks from the Capitol.
Museums | Oct 11, 2016
Santiago Calatrava-designed Museum of Tomorrow awarded 'Best New Museum of the Year – Central/South America' by Leading Culture Destinations
The museum opened in 2015 in Rio de Janeiro’s Porto Maravilha
Museums | Oct 10, 2016
New, larger Statue of Liberty Museum being built on Liberty Island
The museum will look to complement the Statue of Liberty without drawing attention away from it
Museums | Sep 21, 2016
Design guidelines for museums, archives, and art storage facilities
Specialty Buildings Column Series, Part 2 of 6 [Click Here to Part 1]
Museums | Sep 19, 2016
Museums refine their mission in the digital age
Preserving history is still their core function, but museums are using fresh approaches to engage an easily distracted public.
Museums | Sep 14, 2016
Architectural model museum opens in Japan
The museum includes models from Japanese architects including Shingeru Ban, Kengo Kuma, and Riken Yamamoto.
Museums | Sep 14, 2016
Finnish government halts plans for Guggenheim Helsinki
Construction of the museum relied heavily on state funding, which has officially been denied.
Museums | Jun 17, 2016
Construction begins on new and expanded International Spy Museum in Washington D.C.
The building will have a glass veil that surrounds an enclosed black box, a setup that the museum hopes will add vibrancy to its new L’Enfant Plaza location.
